UW's Vita Vea named Pac-12 defensive player of the year

by The Associated Press

Rutgers quarterback Chris Laviano (5) fumbles the ball while being sacked by Washington's Vita Vea, right, and Azeem Victor in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016, in Seattle. Rutgers recovered the ball on the play. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Washington lineman Vita Vea has been named Pac-12 defensive player of the year.

Stanford running back Bryce Love was named offensive player of the year.

Stanford's David Shaw was the coach of the year and Arizona linebacker Colin Schooler was the defensive freshman of the year in awards announced Tuesday. Arizona running back J.J. Taylor and Stanford lineman Walker Little shared offensive freshmen of the year.

Love, a junior, ran for 1,973 yards and 17 touchdowns, finishing second nationally with 164.4 yards rushing per game.

Vea, a junior, anchored a defense that was third nationally against the run at 92.3 yards allowed and was fifth in total defense at 277.4 yards allowed per game.

Shaw helped the Cardinal bounce back from a 1-2 start to clinch the Pac-12 North.